{taking a pause}

Call it a bit of mental Spring cleaning, but I've been having a few realizations over the last few weeks/months.  There is a plethora of negative energy out in the world + I for one just don't have time for it anymore.  I have been making a conscious effort to surround myself with people + situations that are genuine + drama free and the difference that it has made in my life in this short period has allowed me to be the healthiest + happiest I've been in a long time.  No bullshit.  Cleansing the negative energy + toxicity out, and making a conscious effort to keep it out, is seriously life changing.  

I don't know about you, but I have far better things to do + experience this summer than anything that is less than extraordinary.

photo: Robin West

{nice package} YAY for cake!

The words "yay" + "cake" are a natural pairing, so it's pretty genius to be able to slice a cake + have the words right there on your own plate.  It almost seems simple enough to work...

Photos + recipe

{style} psychedelic prints

Rhyme and Echo dress, Guess leopard belt (old), Zara studded flats, Stella & Dot bangles. More style posts here

{style} mod leather + military

Is it just me or did Spring take an exceptionally long time to get here this year?  Walking around the city this past week has been truly incredible... it's like everyone has woken up, are refreshed + just a little lighter on their feet.  To be honest, my favorite part of this specific season is to sit back + watch men as they rediscover the shape of a woman's figure that has been in hibernation for a good 6 months, which tends to lead to walking into parked cars, street signs, or each other.

Zara military jacket, Topshop faux leather dress, J.Crew Etta snakesin pumps, Abro handbag, Kate Spade sunnies, vintage necklace.  More style posts here

Thanks to Kelci + Jess for the photos!

{in my kitchen} fennel + smoked salmon

I took a long weekend + went down to Florida for some quality time with my grandparents this past week.  While the time I spent with them is irreplaceable, I am happy to leave their daily buffet diet behind.  

I had some smoked salmon in the fridge that I wanted to use + remembered a Martha Stewart recipe that I came across that I have been wanting to try, and in 5 minutes I was able to tiredly whip up a fennel + lemon zest salad to top it.  It was just what a needed - cool, flavorful + extremely fresh.  This will definitely be repeated weekly in the summer months coming up.

photos: Robin West

{in my kitchen} muddled strawberry cocktail

There's nothing better than fresh fruit.  That is, nothing better than muddling some fresh strawberries (first muddling experience!) + layering some gin + fresh ginger, ginger ale on top of them.  This is seriously the most refreshing + delicious cocktail I've ever made, if I do say so myself.

photos: Robin West

{side by side} hot pink

left, right

{style} black on black

Sometimes, black on black with a statement piece is all a girl needs to feel chic. Oh, and some warmer weather.

H&M blouse, BCBG cigarette pants, Oscar de la Renta necklace, Vince Camuto pumps, Abro bag, Kate Spade sunnies.  More Style posts here

Photos: Eileen